This is an excerpt from my homily at Saint Mark & Mount Calvary parishes in Erie PA on July 7 & 8 2018.

My dear brothers and sisters:

I greet you today with joyous news. The bishop has appointed us a new pastor. Father Thomas Trocchio will be our new pastor as of August 1, 2018. Father Tom is a wonderful man with a great heart, one that is full of love and compassion. He will be a perfect leader for this community, and I hope that you welcome him with an open heart and a joyful spirit.

I spent time with Father Tom in seminary formation, and am honored to call him a brother priest. He has a great sense of humor, and is very easy-going. I believe that he will bring great energy and enthusiasm to our community. Father Tom is originally from Pittsburgh, but became part of our diocese in college while attending Edinboro University. He has family in Franklin, PA, and is from Saint Patrick Church in Franklin.

Father Tom is coming to us from his previous assignment in Meadville, PA, where he was working with three parish communities, a parish grade school, and campus ministry at a local college.

With this joyous news, comes some less-than-great news. Of course with the assignment of a new pastor, my time here at Saint Marks & Mt. Calvary comes to a close. But you don’t get to get rid of me just yet! I will remain here until Father Tom starts on August 1. At that time, I will be taking Father Tom’s previous assignment of assisting in Meadville. I am excited and nervous to begin my new assignment. I look forward to my ministry in Meadville, but know that I will miss you all here too. Even though I have only been here a few weeks, I am grateful for how you have welcomed me into your families. Granted, many of the parishioners here have either been known to me or are friends of mine for many years, yet still, I am in a new role here as a priest. I once again thank you for everything you have done for me. Remember, this is not goodbye forever; this is so long for now. My family remains here in Erie, and my home parish remains as Saint James, and I will be visiting often.

In these next few weeks of transition, Father Tom will be moving in to our rectory at Saint Marks, and I will be moving to Saint Mary’s Rectory in Meadville. I ask that you continue to pray for me in these next few weeks, as well as pray for your new pastor, Father Tom. Pray that the Holy Spirit might guide each of us as we begin new ministries in the Diocese of Erie.

Once again, Thank You and may God Bless You!

Pax et Bonum,

Father Andy